My daughters 2001 RX windows will roll down without the key in the ignition. There must be power getting to it somehow. She didn't drive it one day and the next day it wouldn't start. It has a new battery and alternator so we know it's not those creating the problem. Anyone out there that can help please, thank you

 

Can you be more specific about the "windows roll down" thing? For example, they will roll down when you hold the remote unlock button for more than a few seconds.

What does "wouldn't start" mean? Starter not turning engine over or engine not catching?

 

Windows and moon roof are on un-switched [key in ignition in any position]. Next time try unlocking the door and hold it in the unlock position ... the windows will roll down

Salim

 

Do you mean the window switch still makes the windows roll down with the key out of the ignition? That's normal, there's a bit of reserve power. You can't go up and down indefinitely, but it works to roll the windows up if you take your key out and then realize you forgot to roll them up.
I'd be curious as to what it's doing when it "won't start". Do dash lights etc come on with the key turned? Will it crank but not actually turn over and run? Battery voltage would be helpful info; you can test that with a basic multimeter from a parts store/walmart/harbor freight/etc.

I realize this is ridiculously basic, but we're 100% certain no lights are being left on, right? Including the glove box light, that it's not somehow being tripped by the little push-in bit getting stuck or something?

 

By pressing the windows button, the windows roll down. I can keep doing this as long as I have the button pushed. It won't do it with the key in the door thing. I can't get a remote programmed for some reason, that's another thread to be created later on lol. And the engine is not catching

 

The windows are computer controlled and have power even with the key removed. When you turn off the car and remove the key the windows can still be raised and lowered for about 45 seconds or until a door is opened. The windows can be opened by the remote as well as mentioned earlier.

Engine not catching is not the same as not cranking. If it's cranking the battery is fine.
Is the immobilizer still engaged when you try to start (security light blinking)?

 

You can go up and down indefinitely actually, that's the problem. When you put the key in the door, turn it in unlock position and hold it, the windows do not roll up like they do in my 2004 RX. When it won't start, nothing comes on. You turn the key and nothing. This doesn't happen every time though, it's the strangest thing. Not sure the voltage, didn't bother testing it being that it is brand new (car not here at the moment). And, I'm pretty sure no lights were left on. But I didn't think about the glove compartment. We don't ever open it because it won't stay closed 🤔 I don't even know if the light works in there

 

May I humbly suggest that we remain on basic things first before we get to unique features ... although some quirkiness can drain the battery, but let us start with basic,

1. When you [some how mange to get in the vehicle and sit in the driver' seat] blow the horn does it toot?
2. Remove all auto features and can you turn on the headlights and then turn them off.
3. A person behind can confirm that the brake lights turn on when you apply the brakes.
4. With the key in ignition as you move from ACC to RUN does the cluster idiots lights come on and does the ENGINE check light come ON
5. With the parking level shoved all the way up in Park does the gear indicator in dash show Park [even if you think the lever is in Park, give it a shove to the hilt]
6. Does the security light stop flashings red in RUN position.
7. When you have the foot on the brake and move the key to Start, does the starter motor spin the engine to what is considered normal [should be rapid rate to rotation without drop in speed]
8. Finally does the engine catch ... combustion happens and idle is maintained when let the key return to Run. If not does it idle (maybe a tad faster) if you feather the gas pedal gingerly. Let us know that it only idles with foot on the gas pedal.

Are you sure the vehicle used to start and run with the key that is being used? Blinking red lights tells that the key is not register to run the vehicle and it will let you crank but the engine will never catch.

Salim

 

yes, the car has been driven almost everyday since we got it, about 2 months now. As I was saying, it doesn't happen all the time. It usually happens the day after it hasn't been driven. Brand new battery and brand new alternator

 

There's a little switch in the glovebox, right where it would latch. Probably 2"x2". I've attached a photo for reference! It has a small button that pushes in when the door is latched, and pops out when it's open, and when the button is out, the light stays on. If it doesn't latch, it may not be pushing that button in, leaving that light on. While it may not be enough to drain the battery when it's driven (thus recharged) daily, it might be enough to drain it when it doesn't get driven. I'd try unplugging that and seeing how it behaves after sitting..

The windows in the RX300 roll up in the unlock position (counterclockwise) and down in the lock position (clockwise), also, for whatever that's worth. So it's normal that nothing happens when you turn it to the unlock position if they're already up.

Testing the battery voltage would be relevant regardless of the age of the battery, though if you're not getting electronics when turning the key, it's probably safe to say the reading would be conclusively low anyway!

 

Regrettably your answer does not cover the details I was seeking.
Assuming everything is fine ... your dash lights up, but when you turn the ignition to start ... you only get click? If yes ... starter solenoid would be the problem.
The other burning question is .. what do you have to do to make it run after a long nap of 2 days.

Salim